Country Facts - China
Airport Taxes:
Have been included in the cost of your holiday.
Baggage Allowance:
Strictly limited to 20 kilos per passenger regardless of class booked. There is little or no flexibility in China and any excess will be charged for by the airline. Suitcases should be locked prior to checking-in for flights. At the present time each passenger is permitted to carry ONE small item of cabin baggage through the airport security search point. The dimensions of this item must not exceed, a maximum height of 56cm (22 inches), width 45cm (17.7 inches) and depth 25cm (10 inches), including wheels, handles, side pockets etc. weighing no more than 8 kilos. In addition to the above allowance you are also permitted to carry personal items such as a ladies handbag or small briefcase. Further information regarding hand luggage and items that can be carried in your hand luggage can be found by accessing www.baa.co.uk which is the website address for BAA which operates London Heathrow Airport . Manchester Airport can be accessed at www.manchesterairport.co.uk
These restrictions may also be applicable at Frankfurt Airport en-route to your final destination.
Climate & Weather Watch:
Due to its sheer size China experiences a great diversity of climates. North and East China including Beijing and Xi'an experience a rather continental climate with warm to hot summers and cool dry winters bringing snow in December to February. The majority of rain falls in the summer months and the best time to travel is in the spring months of March to May and autumnal months of September and October. Central China including Shanghai and the Yangtze Gorges is warmer than the North and East in winter and summer and experiences more rainfall year round, with the heaviest on the coast. Again the best time to travel is in the spring months of March to May and autumn months of September and October. South China including Guilin is the warmest and wettest part of China during the summer and winters are pleasant with low rainfall.
Clothing:
Lightweight cottons and linens during the summer months, with warmer clothes for spring and autumn evenings. A waterproof jacket is advisable for all year round travel. Whilst travelling on the Yangtze River a warm jacket is recommended.
Currency & Money Matters:
China 's currency comprises of 1 Renminbi Yuan (RMB) = 10 chiao/jiao or 100 fen. We recommend that any money taken should be mainly in Sterling or American dollars travellers cheques for security. Please be aware that Thomas Cook travellers cheques are not accepted in China , therefore we strongly recommend you take American Express travellers cheques. Currency can be converted at banks, hotels, and foreign exchanges. Banking hours Mon-Fri 0830-1600. All major international credit cards are acceptable in hotels. However please note any optional excursions booked locally will have to be paid for in RMB as credit cards are not accepted.
Customs:
Visitors over 17 are allowed duty free: 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. 2 litres of alcoholic beverages and a reasonable amount of perfume.
Driving:
Not recommended.
Electricity:
220/240 volts AC, 50 Hz. Two pin sockets and some three-pin sockets are in use.
Immunisation:
Not compulsory although we would recommend that you contact your usual medical consultant.
Medical Facilities:
In the major centres medical facilities in international hospitals are excellent and first-class Western medicine is practised. Excellent dental care is available.
Passports & Visas:
Full ten year passports are required for all visitors to China and must be valid for six months after your return to the UK . Visa's are essential for entry into China . Visa application forms and instructions will be forwarded approximately four months prior to departure. Journeys of Distinction do not accept any responsibility for passengers not acquiring the correct visa documentation.
Photography:
It is recommended that all photographic film and single use cameras are carried in your hand luggage. These items should be handed to security for hand checking rather than being scanned.
Special Dietary Requirements:
Although the airlines and hotels will endeavour to accommodate passengers with special dietary requirements this cannot be guaranteed. In particular this applies to meals taken outside the hotels. Therefore we suggest passengers requiring special foodstuffs should pack any essential items in their luggage.
Taxis:
Taxis are freely available in large cities and are generally graded. The larger and more modern the vehicle the more expensive the fare per kilometre. All taxi's in major cities should be metered and if not you should agree a fare beforehand. Visitors should write down their destination before commencing any journey.
Time Zone:
GMT + 8
Tipping:
It is certainly customary and indeed expected throughout China . Generally a 15% service charge is included in hotel and restaurant bills. Journeys of Distinction are frequently asked for guidelines on gratuities for your Tour Managers, Drivers, Guides. Therefore, as a simple guide, it is normal practice to tip approximately £1.50 per person per day for your Tour Manager, £1.50 per person per day for your local Guide; and 75 pence per day for your driver providing you have found they have met your expectations. These recommendations are guidelines only. As tips are a personal matter and purely down to your discretion, we suggest they are given on an individual basis rather than as a group collection. All hotel porterage is taken care of by Journeys of Distinction. Onboard East King/East Queen the suggested tipping is approximately 25 USD (£15) per person for the duration of the cruise.
Transportation:
Transportation and general touring arrangements within China are not as well organised and efficient as compared to touring around 'English' speaking countries. It is not uncommon to have travel arrangements eg. flight timings altered or amended at very short notice.
Walking:
Many of the sites in China necessitates a reasonable amount of walking either to the site and/or around it. In some areas there are also a number of steps to climb, therefore you should be reasonably fit and able bodied.
Water:
It is recommended that you do not drink the tap water. Bottled water is readily available from hotels or local shops.
Please note that the above information may be subject to change. Current information correct as at 01/05/2008
